Reno family searching for stolen puppy

RENO, Nev. (MyNews4.com & KRNV) -A local family is asking for your help finding their puppy that was taken from inside their home on Sunday.

When Whitney Harper's boyfriend came home to their apartment in northwest Reno after watching the 49ers game on Sunday night, he knew something wasn't right.

“He just said 'our dog was stolen, someone broke into our house, and the dog is missing.’”

The dog, an 8 week old black lab Rottweiler mix named Chico was a recent addition to the family. It was supposed to be a Christmas present, meant to offer companionship to a young girl with a heartbreaking disease.

“We were hoping that we could make that dog a therapy dog for her and that it would grow up with her and love her and help her later on in life,” says Harper.

According to Whitney, someone came in through the front door of the apartment she shares with her two children and her boyfriend, stole 2 large jars of change, a PlayStation, and their beloved Chico.

“He noticed that one of our dog bowls is missing and our dog was nowhere to be found.”

Whitney bought the dog just three weeks ago as a Christmas present, and in that short time, Chico and trinity formed a special bond.

“You could always find him sleeping right under her feet. Or he would crawl into her lap and lay with her. She absolutely loved it.”

Harper says she's not interested in pressing charges; she just wants her daughter's companion returned to them safe and sound.

“Please have a heart and return it,” she says. “He’s become part of our family.”

Whitney says that she's been checking with local shelters to see if anyone has returned the dog but so far, hasn't had any luck.If you know anything about Chico’s whereabouts you can call the Reno police department at 334-2175.

Sounds almost like Bubbles is involved-maybe teaching the "not so bright owners" a lesson? I was chosen by my Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler when she was that age,and she lived in my loving home for 15 years,and died in my arms from a heart attack last April. What's "not so bright" about that? Maybe people should be a little less JUDGMENTAL.